StarCraft II: Expanding the Online Game

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In StarCraft expansions,there's nothing sweeter than a familiar face.

By Ryan Clements

Blizzard fans like myself are pretty crazy. Sometimes there will be information dry spells where we don't hear about our favorite games for months. Cotton-mouthed and weary, we roam the Earth waiting for the moment when Diablo III arrives, or when the next World of Warcraft expansion bursts into existence. Still, we wander loyally because we all know that Blizzard can deliver.

I haven't heard about the StarCraft II expansions for a while and I'm getting hungry for details. I sat down with IGN's Charles Onyett and Nick Kolan (the biggest StarCraft nuts besides myself) to talk about what units we want to see added to the multiplayer suite in Heart of the Swarm, the next expansion. For the additions, we focused on the units we've seen before in the original StarCraft, the Brood War expansion and the Wings of Liberty campaign. After all, there's nothing better than seeing an old friend again.

Editor's Note: Ryan Clements is not a designer or game balance tester. He just really loves StarCraft.

Terran

Diamondback: Out of all the campaign units in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, the Diamondback is the most unique compared to the other Terran units. Its ability to move and shoot at the same time would make it a valuable addition to the Terran ground forces. It could certainly help out with defense or pick away at a fleeing army. And let's be honest: it's a hovering tank. Why would you not want that on your team?

Goliath: The Viking, for the most part, took over the Goliath's role in combat in StarCraft II's multiplayer. Both are mid-tier units that can attack both ground and air targets, but the Viking has the disadvantage of requiring a transformation to do so. Sure, a transforming spaceship is totally badass, but it can be vulnerable when caught at the wrong time.

The Goliath would give Terran players a better option for dealing with ground and air units without worrying about managing the Viking transformation. It would also give Terran another mid-tier tech unit that didn't require advancing to a Starport. Also, I miss hearing "Goliath online!" all the time. It's a classic.

Zerg

Lurker: A personal favorite of StarCraft II commentator Day[9], the Lurker is a beastly Zerg unit that can attack while borrowed. Although certain Zerg units have the ability to move while underground, the Lurker would give Zerg players some additional attack and defense options. Out of all the Zerg units not used in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, it feels like the Lurker still has the most defined space to fill.

Scourge: The Zerg have plenty of anti-air options already with Spore Crawlers and Corrupters, but the kamikaze attacks of the Scourge seem like it could be fun to add into the mix. A group of Scourges can give Zerg players more scouting options, and help protect against drops. And in the case of a surprise Battlecruiser or Carrier, a flock of fast-moving Scourge could buy you some valuable time.

I also think the Scourge is kinda' cute... for a flying, suicidal terror moth.

Protoss

Dark Archon: Including this caster unit makes sense to me. If we can use regular Archons, why not toss in the dark variety? Because Dark Templar already exist in Wings of Liberty, it doesn't seem like much of a stretch. Of course, as High Templar already offer Protoss players some powerful spells, the abilities of the Dark Archon would probably need adjustment. Perhaps the new Dark Archon would be a super-powered stealth unit? Imagine the possibilities...

Reaver: It's true that the Colossus is a valuable assault unit, but it's vulnerability to air attacks makes it a walking target when it's cruising solo. Bringing back the golden caterpillar (a.k.a. the Reaver) would allow Protoss players to siege bases more effectively as the Reavers unload their explosive payloads from behind the lines of battle. Giving it a very limited air defense capability might also be helpful for Protoss players that don't have an army of Stalkers at their disposal, but maybe that's pushing it.

What units would you like to see appear in the Heart of the Swarm? Let us know in the comments section below. We actually read them!